The Quinkey was a cut-down version of the Microwriter MW4. It was not a standalone unit and was marketed as ana alternative keyboard for the BBC Micro computer. It was designed around the concept of 'chording' multiple keypresses together to allow full-speed typing with only one hand. Up to four Quinkeys could be connected to a single computer using the Quinkey Interface Unit, which connected to the BBC Micro's Analogue port.

Although praised by reviewers for the comfort and high speed of typing obtained with only a few hours training, the Quinkey was not a massive commercial success.